PUTRAJAYA — A more comprehensive legislative framework for national higher education will replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU), said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
The new law has been outlined under the Malaysia Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035, he said today following the Prime Minister’s announcement that AUKU would be repealed entirely.
Zambry said the new law was part of the One Higher Education Act agenda which was launched in January 2026, to reform national higher education.
“I take note of the Prime Minister’s announcement on the repeal of AUKU during his presidential policy speech at the 2026 PKR National Congress,” he said in a statement today.
“Its repeal must be accompanied by a new legal framework that is more comprehensive, progressive and aligned with the current and future needs of higher education.”
AUKU is more than legislation governing student affairs and freedom, he added, as it provided the basis for the establishment, administration and governance of universities and university colleges. As such, the new legislation must also cover such areas.
The new law is aimed not just at repealing AUKU, but at establishing a more comprehensive and forward-looking higher education legislative framework that would strengthen institutional autonomy, academic freedom and student voice, while preserving governance, accountability and excellence across higher education institutions, he added.
The law would be crafted in an inclusive and comprehensive manner, taking into account the views of all stakeholders, including university leaders, academics, public and private higher education institutions, industry players, polytechnics, community colleges, TVET providers, legal experts and students.
Anwar, speaking at the PKR National Congress today, said the government would repeal AUKU to provide greater freedom and democratic space for the student movement in the country.
The PKR president and Pakatan Harapan chairman said the move followed a memorandum and views presented by student leaders calling for comprehensive changes to the act. – August 15, 2026